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Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Your road to your career starts here. And you don’t need to know your final destination to begin.
As a BSW social worker, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. You might work with individuals facing challenges like disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, or mental health issues. You could support survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault. With a range of career options, you can choose roles such as case manager, counselor, advocate, or residential program staff, and find opportunities in numerous agencies and service organizations dedicated to helping those in need.
Bachelors Program
Our Bachelor of Social Work campus program prepares students for entry-level, generalist social work practice. For community college graduates and transfer students with junior standing, the flexible, online iBSW program offers a path to earn a degree through a blend of fully online courses and in-person field placements.
Undergraduate Minor
An Undergraduate Minor in Social Work allows you to complement your primary field of study with a focus on social welfare and professional social work. Through this program, you’ll gain insights into social work theories, policies, and practices, enhancing your ability to understand and address complex social issues in diverse settings, from healthcare and education to community development.
BSW Admissions
BSW Admissions
BSW Campus and Online Admissions Requirements
Whether pursuing your BSW degree on campus or online, there are three avenues in which students can apply to the undergraduate program and an experiential learning fee that is applicable to each option.
First-Year Student
High school seniors can apply as a first-year students to the School of Social Work by completing the University of Illinois Undergraduate Application and choosing Social Work as their major.
Transfer Student
Learn more about the transfer student admission requirements for those who have obtained coursework at other institutions.
Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT) Student
Learn more about the ICT student admission requirements for those who are currently enrolled in another major or classified as undeclared at the University of Illinois.
First Year Admissions Dates & Deadlines
Learn more about early action decisions, notifications, and deadlines to apply
BSW Majors Experiential Learning Fee
One of the unique features of the Bachelors of Social Work major is providing innovative programs and experiential learning opportunities. These intensive educational programs are a hallmark of social work education and distinguish our students as well prepared for success in the professional workforce as well as graduate and professional study.
The experiential learning fee is assessed to all Bachelor of Social Work majors to help cover part of the extensive faculty resources required to provide enriched social work learning opportunities. A one-time fee of $900 will be charged to BSW students once the student has earned 60-89.9 in progress hours; including transfer hours.
About
About
At the School of Social Work, we prepare the next generation of social work leaders dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities. Committed to social justice and equity, we tirelessly pursue meaningful change through education, advocacy, and action.
Our innovative research drives evidence-based practices that shape the future of social work. With the guidance of student-focused faculty, you’ll benefit from a balanced experience that combines dynamic classroom learning with hands-on field internships. Opportunities to engage in collaborative research and service-learning projects enable you to make a tangible impact while gaining the skills to succeed.
Graduating from our program means more than earning a degree—it means stepping into the world as a confident, compassionate professional ready to inspire change and make a difference.
Our School
Everything you need to know about who we are and what we stand for. Explore a message from our dean, our rich history, strategic initiatives, employee achievements, and more—all highlighting our commitment to excellence in social work education and impact.
Our Stories
Discover inspiring stories that showcase the heart of our School—our students, faculty, and staff. Dive into recent online reports highlighting their accomplishments and explore ways to share your own story with us.
Connect With Us
Stay connected with us and be part of our vibrant community! Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletters, or reach out directly—we’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions, ideas, or just want to stay informed, we’re here to keep the conversation going.
Meet our faculty
and staff
Connect with the dedicated faculty and staff who make our School a leader in social work education and research. Our directory provides an easy way to learn more about their expertise, roles, and contributions. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, seek guidance, or simply get to know the people behind our mission, you’ll find their contact information and profiles here.
Get involved
Check out upcoming events at the School of Social Work
Agency-Based Partnerships
Agency-Based Partnerships
Child Welfare Office of Workforce Development
Through its partnership with DCFS, the School of Social Work provides staff and services for developing, delivering, and managing child welfare training and professional development programs required by state and federal regulations..
Translational Research in Child Welfare
The Translational Research team, supported by the DCFS Office of Research and Child Well-being, uses collaborative Continuous Quality Improvement processes to address implementation challenges, improve data tracking, and enhance service quality and outcomes.
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
The BSW Program at Illinois
Our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for entry-level, professional, and generalist social work practice. It also provides a pathway for advanced standing entry into a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, allowing for faster progression to higher-level roles.
Through a blend of classroom learning and immersive field education, you will gain hands-on experience working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. A BSW opens doors to a variety of career paths in areas such as healthcare, mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, and community development. Whether you’re advocating for policy change, providing direct services, or managing social programs, your BSW will equip you to make a meaningful impact in diverse social work settings.
Our program is currently ranked in the top ten undergraduate social work schools in the nation by College Factual.
Admissions Requirements & Deadlines
Ready to apply or learn more about the admissions process? Visit our BSW Admissions page for everything you need to know about requirements, deadlines, and application steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our Bachelor of Social Work program? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers to the most common questions about admissions, program options, and more.
Campus Program
The BSW program prepares students for entry-level, generalist social work practice. Earning a BSW opens the door to diverse career opportunities and provides a strong foundation for advanced graduate study in social work.
Online Program
This online program enables community college graduates and transfer students with junior standing to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree entirely online, with in-person internships in their local community.
Undergraduate Minor
The Social Work Minor allows you to combine your primary field of study with social welfare and professional social work. It focuses on applying social work theories, policies, and research to address key social issues.
A hands-on internship designed for you
Your internship lets you apply classroom learning in community agencies, giving you hands-on experience in the profession. It offers opportunities to practice generalist social work with diverse populations, working with individuals, groups, families, and organizations.
Request More Info
Ready to learn more? Request more information about our Bachelor of Social Work program to explore how you can drive positive change in the world.
Attend an Info Session
Join us for an interactive session, available both online and in-person, to connect directly with our experienced admissions staff. Ask questions and discover the full range of program options we offer.
BSW Advising
Need help navigating the BSW program? Our dedicated undergrad student staff are here to support you—reach out to get personalized guidance and answers to all your questions.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about our BSW program options, get in touch with Undergraduate Affairs Coordinator
Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Our graduate degree programs provide the knowledge, practical skills, and professional network needed to advance your career and deepen your impact. With a focus on both theory and hands-on experience, these programs equip you to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change in communities, supporting and improving the lives of individuals and families.
Masters Program
Complete full- or part-time coursework on the Urbana-Champaign, open to both Advanced Standing and non-social work majors. For greater flexibility, the iMSW program offers a fully online, part-time option, allowing you to work while earning your degree.
Joint MSW/PhD
Our joint MSW/PhD program is for students with a Master’s in a related field who want to pursue a PhD in Social Work but lack an MSW. It enables students to earn both degrees, gaining advanced practice skills and research expertise for academic or high-level professional roles in social work.
PhD Program
Our PhD program equips students with tangible skills to use rigorous scientific methods to develop and disseminate knowledge, educate the next generation of social workers, and drive positive change in their communities.
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work
The MSW Program at Illinois
In the journey to becoming an effective social work practitioner, you’ll first immerse yourself in the essential knowledge and skills needed to assess, intervene, and evaluate in various settings—working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Each step you take will enhance your understanding and ability to respond to complex, real-world issues faced by those you serve.
Your path will include a deep engagement with diverse populations, spanning racial, ethnic, gender, social class, and age groups, as well as individuals with varying abilities and sexual orientations. Alongside learning to support these groups, you’ll also explore the profound impacts of racism, poverty, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. This awareness will strengthen your sensitivity, equipping you to advocate for those affected by such challenges.
Research will become a cornerstone of your practice. You’ll learn to evaluate policies and practices through evidence-based insights and translate research findings into actionable solutions, continuously adapting your strategies to meet evolving needs. With this knowledge, you’ll play a role in developing and analyzing responsive organizations, programs, and policies that directly address the needs of those you serve.
Understanding human behavior within social contexts is crucial, as it directly links to the mission of social work. As you delve into this, you’ll come to see how social dynamics influence behavior and, in turn, shape the needs of individuals and communities.
Throughout your journey, values will be at the heart of your practice. By analyzing how values shape policy and practice, you’ll develop a solid grounding in professional ethics.
Guided by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, you’ll approach every situation with a commitment to ethical standards, ensuring respect and dignity for all.
Admissions Requirements & Deadlines
Ready to apply or learn more about the admissions process? Visit our MSW Admissions page for everything you need to know about requirements, deadlines, and application steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our Master of Social Work program? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers to the most common questions about admissions, program options, and more.
Campus Program
We offer full or part-time coursework on the Urbana-Champaign campus to Advanced Standing students and those with undergraduate degrees in other fields.
Online Program
Ready to advance your career? Our iMSW program offers a flexible, convenient option for non-traditional students, enabling you to continue working full-time while pursuing your education.
Post MSW-PEL
We offer the Post-MSW Program for those seeking an Illinois PEL School Social Work Endorsement. This license and endorsement is needed to practice social work in public schools in Illinois.
A hands-on internship designed for you
The MSW Field Experience provides hands-on learning tailored to your area of specialization, with opportunities to work with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations. Whether through a one-semester or two-semester internship, our block placement model fully immerses you in real-world experience, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career.
Education aligned with your interests
Each concentration is a specialized area of study that allow students to focus on specific populations, practice settings, or social issues within the broad field of social work.
Request More Info
Ready to learn more? Request more information about our Master of Social Work program to explore how you can drive positive change in the world.
Attend an Info Session
Join us for an interactive session, available both online and in-person, to connect directly with our experienced admissions staff. Ask questions and discover the full range of program options we offer.
MSW Advising
Need help navigating the MSW program? Our dedicated graduate student staff are here to support you—reach out to get personalized guidance and answers to all your questions.
ICT Application
ICT Application
BSW: Request More Info
If you need more information about the Bachelor of Social Work, a member of our team would be happy to assist you. Please fill out this form and someone will get in touch with you shortly.
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